Is AI the Taylor Swift of the Legal Industry?

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has swept through every industry like a rock star on a world tour—it's practically the Taylor Swift Eras Tour of technology; impossible to escape its mentions in industry updates, product launches, and even casual conversations. But just like the frenzy and exhaustion surrounding trying to get concert tickets, we’re feeling a bit of that AI fatigue in the legal industry, specifically “transformation fatigue.”

But, are we so overwhelmed that we’re breaking up with AI? No, we’re just craving a different conversation. Just as Taylor Swift shifts from one era to the next, we need to shift our focus from the reasons for adopting AI to actionable strategies for effective utilization in your firm. Get tangible with yourself and with training your firm.  

How transformation fatigue affects my team

In the fast-paced world of law, adaptation to new technologies and practices is vital to keep your operations efficient and relevant. We all know that. But when it comes to the rapid rise of AI, the constant barrage of “You must implement AI” feels less like motivation and more like an additional weight on already busy legal professionals. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed amid the information overload, especially when you’re expected to not only keep up to date on AI but also integrate it into your practice. This fatigue can ripple through your entire legal team, leading to disengagement, frustration, and ultimately a reluctance to embrace AI as a valuable tool.

So, how do we break this cycle? It’s time to shift our mindset from just ticking boxes on why we should adapt, to focusing on how you can prepare yourself or your firm to actually start engaging with AI effectively. Working with law firms over the past 15-plus years has provided us with the unique ability to help you transform anxiety into action, turning AI from a daunting buzzword into an ally.

Putting action to AI

#1 Be brutally honest about your firm's challenges

Foster conversations with yourself and your team to identify your pain points. What areas of your firm can be more efficient? When you work on a particular matter, what hinders you from making the most out of your valuable time? Consider leveraging AI for things like document summaries, time tracking, and drafting automation to maximize your firm’s resources. These tools won't replace your expertise; instead, they will free up time for more strategic, case-specific thinking.

#2 Put everything on the table—engage openly with employees and clients.

Have an open discussion with your team about the implications of AI for your practice. Clearly outline the low-risk tasks that can be automated and have a dialogue about the process. This transparency promotes team buy-in, ensuring they are engaged and more likely to embrace the new tech. Additionally, be forthcoming with your clients on your new tools and how they enhance the services you provide.  

#3 Get comfortable with AI legal prompt writing

Once you’ve started your AI journey, a pivotal skill will be prompting efficiently. Generative AI is trained on various sources with the ability to pull specific information that you’re looking for or creating very quickly. However, to get the most out of your experience, it’s important to provide concise context to your inputs. Training yourself and your team on AI prompt writing and refining will be an integral step for successful use. In the first session of Smokeball’s AI Webinar Series, our legal professionals will outline the specific best practices and tips for bettering your prompt writing skills.  

#4 It’s time to step on to the big stage

Once you’ve trained your team on effective input and prompt writing, it’s time to start the show and put those skills into practice. If you’re using a tool like Smokeball AI Legal Software, take advantage of their 1:1 training sessions that extend beyond onboarding to deepen your understanding. To further solidify your expertise, consider launching a small-scale pilot project that allows your team to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world scenario (e.g., drafting an email to a thorny opposing counsel). This hands-on experience not only reinforces your skills but also builds confidence (mitigating that feeling of overwhelm) in using the tool effectively across your practice.

Conclusion

So, while we’re not saying goodbye to AI, it’s time to tackle that transformation fatigue head-on! By zeroing in on your firm’s needs, empowering your team to engage, mastering prompt writing, and diving into hands-on experiences, you can turn AI from a source of frustration into your greatest pal. Begin with these strategies, and watch as AI transforms your practice, making your work more efficient and your days a little more like the Eras Tour – full of possibilities with a backstage pass to success.

To dive deeper into AI in the legal world and CLE knowledge, secure your spot for Smokeball’s first session in their upcoming AI Webinar Series, AI Essentials for the Modern Legal Professionals led by industry professionals.